Careers/Externships

We are hiring a full-time associate veterinarian looking to join our progressive, companion animal veterinary hospital in Spartanburg, SC!

This position would be a great opportunity for a new graduate looking for mentorship and an experienced veterinarian looking to grow their clientele within our practice!

By joining our private practice, you will enjoy flexibility in your schedule, autonomy to provide care as you see fit, and have an actual say in how things are done; something often not found in corporate practices.

You will gain experience working on a wide variety of surgical and medical cases, using the latest technology available so that you can do your best for your clients and their pets. This includes an in-house laboratory, pharmacy, digital x-ray, dual surgery suites with electrocautery and dental capability. We also have access to a top-notch radiologist when their input may be needed and trusted advanced care professionals to assist beyond our abilities.

You will feel confident as you grow, with support, collaboration and learning from 2 doctors that bring a combined 70 years of experience to the field and a growing team of veterinary professionals working right beside you. We are also supported by two sister practices that provide resources and assistance when needed.

Our practice is in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina! Spartanburg is known for its quality of life and as a great place to raise a family. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation for local businesses, the arts, entertainment, and recreation and is within easy driving distance of the mountains and ocean. We are big proponents of supporting local and encourage our employees to do the same.

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION: We are a full-service veterinary practice. You will be responsible for general small animal veterinary medicine. This includes performing small animal surgery, preventative health care, pet dental care, and vaccinations. There is an opportunity for orthopedic services if desired but not required.

Our clinic is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. You will be expected to work four days a week with two of those being full days (10-hour shifts). We have NO weekend office hours and NO after-hours or on-call schedule. We want you to be able to spend the time you need to attend to your patient and form a solid relationship with their owners.

We see about 100 – 120 clients per day. Some days can be steady, but fast-paced. Other days may be slower, but more time may be committed to each client and their needs. We do our best working as a team to keep things running smoothly, but you will need to be able to handle sudden changes as they come.

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

We want you to feel right at home here and understand it is a big commitment to accept a new role! That is why we structure our interview process so that you will feel confident in accepting this role:

• First interview – we will schedule a phone interview with one of our head veterinarians where they will go over the position in more detail, what you can expect in the day-to-day and answer any questions you may have.
• Second interview – we will bring you in for an in-person visit so you can get to know the team and see the type of work you will do firsthand. We will show you our sister practices to provide a bigger understanding of how we operate. We will also show you around some of our favorite spots and what is happening in Spartanburg!

WHAT WE OFFER:

We are focused on committing to you and the quality of work you will be bringing. That is why our compensation structure is based on favorable, negotiable terms:

• Base Compensation
  • Signing bonus – up to $25,000, based on experience level and starting salary, allocated quarterly
  • Starting salary range of $120,000 – $200,000 (and up), based on experience level
  • Production bonuses – starting at 22%, capped at 25%, paid quarterly
• Relocation assistance
  • Up to $10,000 moving stipend
  • Housing (temporary and long-term) can be provided if needed
  • Assistance with spousal career placement can be provided if needed
• Healthcare – allowance provided, with your choice in your own insurance plan
• Schedule
  • Paid time off – 3 weeks of vacation and 52 hours of personal leave per year
  • Parental leave – up to 6 weeks paid-time off, depending on PTO already taken for the year
  • Very flexible work schedule – open to discussing shifts that benefit everyone
• Professional Development
  • Student loan reimbursement
  • Paid state licensing fees
  • Paid AVMA and state professional dues
  • Continuing education reimbursement
• Generous pet care discounts
• Opportunity for potential ownership for those doctors who are interested

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from a college of veterinary medicine
• Current DEA license held or obtained upon hire
• Active Veterinary State License held or obtained upon hire
• USDA Accreditation held or obtained upon hire – nice to have, but not required

If you are interested, please provide a copy of your resume and how to reach you below. You may also contact us directly at charles@eastsidespartanburg.com with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!

Smith Animal Hospital is currently hiring externs to join our progressive, small animal private practice here in Spartanburg, SC!

We are looking for highly motivated veterinary students who are eager to join a collaborative and encouraging environment where you can expect an exceptional, hands-on learning experience and valuable mentoring, while immersing yourself in a community where your ideas are heard.

What You Can Expect:

• Hands-On Learning: Our practice provides general small animal care, including routine surgery, preventative health care, diagnostics, dental care, and vaccinations. This is your opportunity to dive into a variety of cases, from routine check-ups to complex procedures, while learning directly from seasoned professionals who will guide your development. You’ll also gain valuable insights into clinic operations, client interactions, medical record management and more.
• Personalized Mentorship: No matter the kind of guidance you’re seeking, whether it be in surgery, the latest treatments, or understanding more of the business side of medicine, we’ll work with you to develop an individualized mentorship approach during your time here to help you become the best veterinarian you strive to be.
• Collaborative & Supportive Team: We see this as a two-way street. While you’re here to learn from us, we also want to learn from you! We believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere that encourages teamwork, communication, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our furry friends.

Compensation Beyond the Basics:

• Housing and Travel Stipend – We provide a $500/week stipend to 3rd and 4th year veterinary students, making it easier for you to focus on your learning while you’re here. We also have on-site housing available to those interested!
• Meals/Dinner – We like to treat our staff to the occasional coffees and lunches. Plus, we’ll want to take you to dinner to get to know you better in a less professional setting.

Externship Process:

• Phone Interview: Our lead veterinarian and practice owner will provide detailed insights into what your daily responsibilities and expectations will be. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
• On-site Visit: You’ll meet the team and tour our facilities to get a comprehensive feel for our practice. You’ll also have the chance to engage in some clinical work, offering a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be part of our team. You’ll also engage with one of our associate veterinarians to hear firsthand about their experiences as a valued member of our team and what it would be like working here should you become an associate in the future.
• Community Engagement: You’ll have the opportunity to connect with members of Spartanburg Young Professionals, a dynamic local network of individuals who’ve chosen Spartanburg as their home and are advancing their careers here. This provides you with valuable insights into what it’s truly like to live and work in Spartanburg, should you ever decide you want to move here.
• Start Here, Stay Here Approach: At the end of your externship, we’ll want to spend some time reviewing your experience with us. It’s our intent that we provide a possible full-time career path for you here, not just a stop along the way. This is not only your chance to provide feedback to us but discuss the possibilities of working with us full-time in the future!

Why Smith Animal:

• Trusted Experience: We are a team led by two experienced veterinarians with a combined 70 years in practice that pride ourselves in the relationships we develop with our customers, some of which have bene with us for years. Our hospital is part of a network of two sister practices, offering additional support and resources not typically available to others.
• Walk-Ins Only Care: We follow a walk-ins-based system, expecting a high caseload on most days. However, we spend the necessary time needed for thorough consultations, allowing staff to build relationships with clients without the pressure to meet corporate imposed quotas.
• Private Practice Advantages: Unlike many corporate settings, we encourage autonomy and personalized care. Our team has flexibility in treatment approaches and a true voice in how we operate, promoting a patient-centered environment where decisions prioritize individual pet and client needs.
• Advanced Medical Resources: We utilize a suite of state-of-the-art technologies, including a comprehensive in-house lab, digital x-ray, and dual surgery suites with electrocautery and dental capabilities. We collaborate with an experienced radiologist and trusted specialists for cases requiring advanced expertise.
• Our Communal Approach: We are committed to building and sustaining veterinary careers not just for individuals but for the entire veterinary community. We understand the vital role that local veterinary hospitals play in their communities, and we encourage you to actively contribute to the well-being of both pets and people in your area.

Welcome to Spartanburg:

• Located in South Carolina’s upstate, Spartanburg offers a high quality of life with a thriving local business scene, arts, and ample outdoor recreation.
• Southern Magazine named us one of the fast-growing areas in the nation and have been known to be ideal for family life and within driving distance of both mountains and ocean.

We understand that choosing the right practice is a significant decision, which is why we aim for your externship experience to stand out among the rest during your clinic rotations. This allows you to experience our work environment firsthand and ensure you’re making the right choice for your future.

If you are seeking a private practice that values mentoring, professional autonomy, quality of care, and genuine community, reach out to us at charles@eastsidespartanburg.com – we look forward to connecting with you!